Level of nitrated proteins in the plasma, platelets and liver of patients with liver cirrhosis.

Over-expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and nitric oxide (NO) formation are associated with the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis. NO-related stress alters the functions of biomolecules, especially proteins, probably as a result of nitration. The aim of this study was to assess the level of protein nitration and its correlation with the severity of the disease.

Role of cytosolic calcium and actin polymerization on agonist-induced secretion by the platelets of liver cirrhosis patients.

Objective: Variceal bleeding in cirrhosis is mainly due to platelet activation defect and secondary to coagulation defects. Secretion is an important process which release procoagulants for hemostasis. In the present investigation we have evaluated the secretory function of platelets in liver cirrhosis and also the simultaneous changes in cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) and the polymerization of actin in agonist- stimulated platelets in vitro.